The UK Passivhaus Awards shortlist has been announced, and the world-leading and pioneering Erne Campus at South West College – on which Bennett Freehill provided MEP Design and Passivhaus Advisory services – is a finalist.
Cormac Freehill Managing Partner said:
“These awards celebrate the best in Passivhaus design and construction by recognising buildings that meet the highest standards of energy efficiency, comfort and sustainability.
It’s an exciting time for the sustainable construction industry, and the fact that the Erne Campus has again been recognised on a national level is testament to the skills and knowledge in sustainable design and technologies of the project team.”
Erne Campus is the world’s first educational – and currently the largest – Passivhaus Premium (PHP) rated building, and the first UK building to achieve both PHP and BREEAM Outstanding accreditations, and one of 26 UN Centres of Excellence for High Performance Buildings around the globe.
“Performance of the crescent-shaped building, which boasts a large PV array, a south-facing triple-glazed façade and thermal bridge-free building envelope, contrasts sharply with the former hospital on the site and represents a radical reduction in energy use, emissions and running costs. Heating energy demand is circa 95% lower, saving the College at least £54,000 a year in heating bills alone.”
Judges were impressed by this revolutionary project because it acts as a living educational tool for students as well as a demonstration of the implementation of a net zero energy building, so helping to break down barriers to the roll-out of such technologies across the UK.
The Erne Campus is one of eleven projects through to the finals and only one of three shortlisted in the non-domestic category. The awards final will be held in London on 5th July 2023 with the winners voted on by Passivhaus Trust members.
UK Passivhaus Trust is an independent, non-profit organisation that provides leadership for the adoption of the Passivhaus standard as a highly effective way of providing high standards of occupant comfort and health while slashing energy use and carbon emissions.
